Prediction: Stoke vs Arsenal

27th April 2012

Stoke City will be aiming to improve their league position and make amends for the heavy defeat to Newcastle when they welcome Arsenal to Britannia Stadium, whereas the Gunners are desperate to return to winning ways after taking just one point from last two games. All things considered, we should see a really close encounter in Stoke-on-Trent.

Stoke may be sitting in 14th place in the Premiership standings at the moment, but Tony Pulis and his players can be perfectly happy with what they’ve achieved this term. The Potters progressed from one of the most difficult Europa League groups and proved their worth on European stage despite being eliminated by Valencia in the last 32 stage. Stoke did well to reach the final stages of both domestic Cup competitions, but the hectic schedule has taken the toll on their league campaign. After largely impressing in the first part, the Potters have been struggling for form of late and have now lost 7 of their last 13 Premier League games. It is little wonder that the players are running on empty after featuring in some 40 odd games this season, so nobody was surprised to see them concede three goals at St James Park last time out. With Arsenal now coming to Britannia, the Potters don’t look capable of ending the poor run of results. Defender Andy Wilkinson is out with a hamstring problem, but Jermaine Pennant should be in contention.

Arsenal have had their share of disappointments this term, but it appears that they will manage to end the season on a high after all. The Gunners have been showing considerable improvement in the second part of the season, having climbed to third place in the overall standings thanks to some scintillating performances, but two home setbacks have seriously damaged their top 4 hopes. Nonetheless, both the shock defeat to Wigan and goalless draw with Chelsea were a bit harsh on Arsene Wenger’s side, given that they had completely outplayed their opponents, and the Gunners are now hoping another solid showing will prove enough for a victory at Britannia Stadium. The good news is that Tomas Rosicky return to the side after recovering from injury and you shouldn’t forget the Czech international has been absolutely amazing in the second part of the season. Yossi Benayoun is also back after he was ineligible to face his parent club, but Abou Diaby and Theo Walcott are both sidelined through injury.

Conclusion

Stoke have been pretty convincing at their Britannia this season, but the Potters are clearly struggling for form at the moment and feeling the ill-effects of the long season. Arsenal, on the other hand, are playing really well and they can be trusted to take all three points to the Emirates.

Verdict: Away win Arsenal (2)

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Paddy Power